Jets Deny Interest In Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh
Jets CEO Christopher Johnson refuted a report alleging that New York had interest in pursuing Michigan's Jim Harbaugh as the franchise's next head coach, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Additionally, Johnson backed Jets current head coach Todd Bowles.
"Todd Bowles is our Head Coach," Johnson said. "There is no truth to the report of our interest in Jim Harbaugh."
On Sunday, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported that the Jets planned to "make a run" a Harbaugh, who's now in his fourth season with the Wolverines, and planned to attempt to interview him. On Monday morning, Florio additionally reported that general manager Mike Maccagan was "on board" with targeting Harbaugh.
According to the report, the Jets started to look into Harbaugh about a month ago.
The move is based on the assumption that Jets head coach Todd Bowles will be fired at season's end. The 55-year-old Bowles has a 24–39 record in four seasons with New York, with no playoff berth. The Jets have missed the playoffs in each of the last eight seasons.
Harbargh has ruled out any return to the NFL right now. He last coached in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011–14, leading the team to three NFL championship and one Super Bowl appearance.
"But I'm on record right here, right now: I'm not going anywhere," Harbaugh said earlier this month. "I'm staying at Michigan. We have big plans here, and there's a lot we want to accomplish."
Harbaugh is preparing his Wolverines to play Florida in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Saturday.
